Surf’s Up, Youth’s Up!
By Robin Finlinson
Biographic and Geographic name:
Armenian origin meaning Life Giving Sweet Water. 2. Lake Sevan ( Sevana lič) is the largest lake in Armenia. It is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world.
ow does Lucky Sevan (L7), a leadership retreat and surf camp, have so much lifechanging success with the youth it serves? Why are so many returning home with remarkably increased confidence and compassion, and even a never-before-seen desire and determination to serve a mission—after only five days?
You’re about to find out, and you’ll understand why this 501(c)(3) nonprofit has been officially endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
“Today’s youth require more authentic and relat-
3. Destiny Number is 7.
What’s The Buzz?
“The screen experience just flattens the world, so that a Pulitzer Prize-winning story feels the same as spam. Some things deserve better.” (Adventure Journal Publisher Stephen Casimiro, as told to the New York Times.)
What are you doing reading this hard copy, paper magazine? Aren’t you supposed to be reading everything these days on your phone or mobile device? On your laptop? On your desktop? Are you one of those “old timers” that still reads paper scriptures? Aren’t you only able to consume content one scrolled bite at a time? That’s what the market tells us. Memory of a goldfish (2 seconds) is the mantra when considering content consumers. Small bites. Not too involved. Ain’t nobody got time for more than 200 words at a time, right? US Today newspaper pioneered that type of thinking, offering articles and stories that could be read quickly, without having to turn the page to finish what was being read.
There’s a quiet revolution happening “out there” with people turning and returning to print. Why? Because people are sick and tired of the distractions encountered when reading anything digitally. Ads, pop ups, email notifications, text and voicemail notifications, app notifications, news notifications. Want to read a story on your phone? Download the app, set up an account, set up a user name and password (re-enter your user name and password to make sure you aren’t a moron and entered it incorrectly to begin with), get an email to confirm your account, pay a little more to get full access, then have the entire thing crash so you get the opportunity to practice all the patience lessons you’ve had in church and start the process all over again.
Have you ever discussed a restaurant you’d like to check out or a product you’d like to buy, only to discover 6 minutes later that you are now seeing articles for that exact restaurant or ads for the product you discussed pop up on your phone? Ya, people are sick of that as well.
“We’re all exhausted from our screens. We want something to savor.” Stephen Casimiro, publisher of Adventure Journal speaks the truth.
As long as I own and publish The Arizona Beehive Magazine, it will always be primarily in paper form. Our publication may be read digitally on issuu.com. But The Beehive is meant to be picked up and enjoyed, sitting back while reading (as opposed to leaning forward while scrolling). As the magazine continues to grow, we will improve the quality of the experience.
And by “grow” I mean by revenue. The cost of printing on paper has skyrocketed since the pandemic, mostly due to paper companies shifting away from manufacturing rolls of print paper to cardboard boxes as the world now has everything shipped directly to its front door.
We may not produce Pulitzer Prize-worthy content, but we do create content worthy of our LDS community that is meant to be consumed at an undistracted pace. The world may be in commotion, but we are not as we serve to help calm down our part of the world by presenting uplifting stories and articles in paper form that resonate with members of the Church.
Thank you for reading....
Michael O’Brien Publisher
The Arizona Beehive, LLC 1225 West Main Street, Suite 101-439 Mesa, Arizona 85201
480.304.5646
ArizonaBeehiveMagazine.com
PUBLISHER
Michael O’Brien
BeehiveAdvSales@gmail.com
EDITOR
Michael O’Brien
BeehiveAdvSales@gmail.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Leslie Thompson - Layout
Candace Khattab - Ad Design
PHOTOGRAPHY
Robin Finlinson
SOCIAL MEDIA
Grace O’Brien
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Allison Beckert
Emily Jex Boyle
Robin Finlinson
Lin Sue Flood
Jaylene Garrett
Rauna Mortensen
Katherine Ogden
Mark Randall
Glen & Lynne Tolman
Cindy R. Williams
DISTRIBUTION
AZ Integrated Media
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Valley Newspapers
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THE FINE PRINT
The Arizona Beehive Magazine is a free publication printed six times a year, published by The Arizona Beehive, LLC, containing copyrighted work consisting of original material, and is not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views expressed in The Arizona Beehive Magazine are solely those of its freelance writers, and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher and its editor, nor do they necessarily represent the position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Duplication of articles for commercial purposes is prohibited.
Surf Camp
Lucky Sevan
Continued from pg. 2
able tools in their tool belt to successfully navigate the covenant path,” says L7 founder, Evan Rogers. “They need to be shown, for example, how to access the Atonement of Jesus Christ to become the best versions of themselves. Faithful parents and leaders within the Church are worried that too many of their youth are just going through the motions and have become spiritually disengaged.”
They needn’t be so concerned anymore. While there are wonderful, Christ-centered and life-building adventure options for teens, such as FSY, HEFY, AFY and OFY, Lucky Sevan is more accessible for many youth. And leaders in the Church can simply plug into the ready-to-go program. Its success has a lot to do with the personal story of its founder. Leading up to the summer of 2006, two returned missionaries, Evan Rogers and his friend Paul Miller, were guided to mentor two Hawaiian teenage young men through some challenging spots in their lives. They eventually taught them to surf in San Diego in just one weekend. The positive vibes these young
men felt from that quick experience encouraged them to identify and invite seven more young men who were likewise taught to surf. It changed the lives of all those lucky youth!
Evan had had his own pivotal moment not many years earlier. For a while, it didn’t seem like he would ever become a returned missionary. He grew up in a family that was very active in the Church. But he struggled with feeling a personal connection with his dad. He became addicted to drugs and alcohol. Looking back, he realizes he was escaping from not feeling understood or valued by his father.
One Friday night at age 19, after a year of decadent, increasingly irresponsible living near the ocean in California, away from home, he was feeling hopelessly depressed. He rummaged through the crate of things he had taken with him when he moved out. It held his favorite possessions. He had never noticed before then, but at the bottom was a set of scriptures his mom had placed there.
“Light was absent in my life,” he
He had always justified his lifestyle, but at that moment he clearly saw what he was using and doing as the destructive things they were. “I was done.” He quit completely on says, “and when I opened the Book of Mormon, it was like this light just pierced me.” Reading all night, he reached Alma chapter 36, and related
to Alma the Younger’s struggle as if he were going through it with him. “I remember falling to my knees and I started sobbing. I looked up and said, ‘God, are you there?’ That was it. And it was immediate. I heard this voice in my mind and in my heart, and it said, ‘I am here.’ And I knew that I mattered.
the spot. Witnessing the miraculous reality and power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, he instantly wanted to share the truths he finally understood. Evan served a mission in Argentina, and later served as bishop of a Everything, in a moment, like I was loved, I was needed, I had worth, and I was heard.”
Continued on pg. 7
Lucky Sevan Young Women’s Leadership Retreat, 2019.
1st Annual Lucky Sevan Surf School Expedition, 2007, Pacific Beach, CA.
L7 Founders (l to r) Todd Skinner, Evan Rogers, Paul Miller.
Surf Camp Lucky Sevan
Continued from pg. 5
Spanish-speaking ward in Tempe. Now, he and his wife Jayne have four children, with their oldest on a mission in Baltimore, Maryland. L7 is in its 16th year.
“Everything we do at Lucky Sevan is to build confidence—to instill in the youth that they matter, that they can do hard things,” he says. Without some confidence and the right life skills, a person doesn’t feel capable of serving a mission. And the Lord needs more missionaries out there finding those ready to be found. That’s the main reason Evan feels so called to provide these youth leadership retreats, and why he believes the Lord provides him with all the energy required to do so—for His youth of the Church.
He and his crew of co-founding partners, staff, volunteer mentors and others such as service missionaries wearing their name tags and board shorts, welcome groups of boys or girls (ages 15-19) to San Onofre State Beach at Trail 6 in San Clemente, California, each June.
The youth are introduced to surfing, something foreign to 90% of them. They’re nudged well out of their zones of comfort—into the salty waves while also divulging their own struggles to people they just met.
The culture of L7 includes immediately learning to trust their teammates and mentors. Though feeling vulnerable physically and emotionally, they realize they’re okay. Their crew and mentors will buoy them up.
Trusting each other opens them up to trusting God. And, once they start connecting to Him, they naturally want to connect with His children and minister to them. It’s a beautiful cycle of trust and connectedness. L7 helps the youth get into that cycle, and out of an ugly cycle of despair that they perpetuate by returning again and again to destructive behaviors, to self-doubt, etc. They see that they can literally rise triumphant over anything holding
them down.
“I’m not afraid of the dark anymore,” says Tanner Finlinson, recalling his first L7 retreat two years ago. The camp also helped him gain the confidence he needed to develop strong friendships, and to now be the kind of Priests Quorum First Assistant that the boys of every age in his ward admire and love. Their parents often mention it. Thanks to Tanner’s leadership style, each boy knows of his own great worth.
Evan describes a core element of the camp. “They’re coming to surf; they’re coming to eat; they’re doing yoga and meditation; they’re doing these workshops; and they’re like, ‘‹This is awesome!’ And then every night we kind of settle into our hearts. We get still. And our mentor leaders get out there and tell stories of their own lives that are raw. And these kids are just glued to them because they’re hearing stories from real people that have overcome traumatic things—things these youth are
facing.”
“They’re good examples,” adds Tanner. “They’re not perfect, but that makes it even better.” The youth realize that despite their weaknesses, they too can lift others.
Without even being asked, Evan’s son Dylan told him, “Dad, you’ve created the perfect formula for what youth need.” Young women have told him, “It’s like girls camp but on steroids!” Participants find it to be the right soulful mixture of fun, intellectuel and spiritual content, social interaction, and physically-demanding activities in a 5-day retreat format.
Evan says, “You want to see a kid smile from ear to ear? Get ‘em on a surfboard, and watch ‘em drop in on their first wave. It is the best.”
Over many years now, those dedicated to L7 have definitely been directed as they’ve sought divine help through much fasting and prayer. They sincerely wanted to know how to more effectively engage, teach, and inspire Church youth of today. And they’ve figured out how to do it.
Coming Soon: This September, L7 will begin offering retreats for adults at the same location. Parents who understandably feel ill-equipped raising today’s youth with their multitude of challenges and the family’s swirling rush of schedules and deadlines are encouraged to participate. Evan asks, “If ‘Do this; grab that; let’s go!› is the lion’s share of our interactions with our youth, when are the authentic conversations taking place? We wonder why our kids are exhibiting more anxiety than ever before.”
Please visit L7surf.org for more information.
President/CEO and Camp Retreat Director Evan Rogers with a few of his lucky campers.
Young women campers learning how to surf.
Young men campers learning how to surf.
By Emily Jex Boyle
THE
With One Accord
In a conference address in 2018, Sister Reyna Aburto, second counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency taught, “[T]he phrase ‘with one accord’ appears several times in the book of Acts, where we read about what Jesus Christ’s followers did immediately after He ascended to heaven as a resurrected being, as well as the blessings they received because of their efforts. It is also significant that we find a similar pattern among the faithful of the American continent at the time the Lord visited and minis tered to them. ‘With one ac cord’ means in agreement, in unity, and all together” (See 3 Nephi 11:16 and 17:9.)
According to Webster’s dictionary, one of the primary definitions of the word accord means to be harmonious or consistent with someone or something. It comes from the Old French word acorder which means to reconcile, be of one mind stemming from Latin (ad-’to’ + cor,cord-’heart.’) With this explanation of the word’s roots, it’s beautiful to see harmony between the word accord and Zion, the pure in heart, as described in the book of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price. Zion: a people where there were no poor because they were “of one heart and one mind.”
A high note was surfing with Bethany Hamilton. While other instructors taught skills on the shore and in the shallows, Hamilton was in the water the entire time, working with each one to get up on a wave. It was there that Paige watched her mom face her deep fear of the open ocean, mustering courage from Hamilton’s courageous example of overcoming.
Brooke says, Hamilton and her team, “knew what they were doing. It wasn’t an experiment, it was a recipe.” At the event’s conclusion, Hamilton spoke, telling the young women, “This was never about me, it was
always about you, your moms and Jesus. If you have Jesus and your mom you can get through anything.” Brooke describes, “[Hamilton] felt like a mom fostering these relationships.”
Living in one accord with others is not about sameness of age, personality or life views. It’s about togetherness. The key element to such harmony? Jesus. Always Jesus. For Paige, Hamilton’s message sunk deep. “If you strengthen your relationship with your mom and Christ, you can get through anything.”
Earlier this year, Paige Hunt, a high school junior from Mesa, dove into a unique opportunity with her mom, Brooke Hunt. The Ohana Mother-Daughter experience was led by one of their heroes, Bethany Hamilton, well-known for surviving a devastating shark attack at age 13. Hamilton’s story is depicted in the movie, Soul Surfer
Hamilton invited a group of mothers and daughters from across the country to participate. For 12 weeks prior to a planned 4-day event in Hawaii with Hamilton, the women connected online, no more strangers, discussing various topics about the Lord’s role in their lives.
Activities in Hawaii included making unique leis, learning to hula dance, to surf, hearing inspiring local history on a beautiful ATV tour, eating deliciously healthy food, and simply having fun. Paige explains, “It was amazing. Not only did I get to spend days dedicated to strengthening my relationship with mom, I got to see how women from different faiths turn to Jesus.”
Photo courtesy of Paige and Brooke Hunt Living in one accord with others is not about sameness of age, personality or life views. It’s about togetherness.
Photo courtesy of Paige and Brooke Hunt Paige Hunt, Bethany Hamilton, Brooke Hunt. The Hunts met and learned to surf with Bethany Hamilton, part of Hamilton’s faith-based Ohana Mother-Daughter experience.
If you happen to be driving Main St. just east of downtown Mesa, you might notice the huge orange “Hey, You!” poster on the side of a building. If you do, you’ve just passed The Pad Studio, which is the creation of Jeffrey and Jason Linford.
Identical twins Jeffrey and Jason have been harmonizing together since they were very young. Their parents, Tina and Craig Linford, both came from musical families, so there were instruments around the house. Tina had played violin in her younger years and Craig had a violin that belonged to his grandfather. “There were two violins sitting in the closet and they were free, so that is basically how we ended up playing that instrument,” says Jeffrey. They joined Miss Mitchell’s fiddling group at Johnson Elementary School and later on joined the Bobcat Fiddlers, Mr. Lew Felton’s group at Brimhall Jr. High. They went on to gain notice as the “Twin Fiddlers.” After a brief stint as Linford and Saints, plus much feedback from loyal fans and family, they decided to return to their original name, the Linford Twins.
In January 2014, they had a video practically go viral on YouTube, when they both proposed to their respective girlfriends during a performance at a Young Single Adult regional conference. They’ve collaborated with artists such as Brooke White, Lindsey Sterling, Alex Boye and CG5. They recently ran into Brandon Flowers, from the rock band The Killers, while at June Audio Recording Studio in Utah. After conversation and comparing notes, Brandon shared, “We’re just climbing the mountain, boys!”
The Twins recently acquired a new producer and creative director, William Bradford. They think the Spirit probably introduced him to them. William was driving around looking for office space to rent, when something told him to stop and check inside The Pad Studio. They met and, as the saying goes, the rest was history; he found his office space and they found a new producer and collaborator. They are the epitome of resiliency, and not giving up on your dreams. After purchasing the
The LInford Twins STILL GOING STRONG
By Katherine Ogden
property nearly ten years ago, and investing their time, effort and money, The Pad Studio is now a full production recording and content studio that’s getting
Their latest release, “Hey, You!” recently debuted on local radio station 93.3. You can find their latest videos, ‘Hey, You!” in Korea, and “Hey, You!” in Hawaii, on YouTube. The next project they’re planning will be “Hey, You!” in Arizona.
They’ve written 20 + new songs in the past two years, and are planning on releasing one new song approximately every three weeks. They are also considering releasing a Christmas album at the end of the year.
You can find the Linford Twins on Facebook and Instagram. Listen to their music and see their newest videos on Spotify and YouTube. Visit www. LinfordTwins.com for more information.
“Hey, You!” cover art, the Linford Twins.
Photo courtesy of William Bradford
Photo courtesy of William Bradford The Linford Twins, Jeffrey and Jason Linford.
A Great-Grandmother’s Journey
Arizona Night Writer Pioneer Beulah Martin Publishes Three Books
By Cindy R. Williams
Beulah Martin, an Arizona author, is a testament to the power of perseverance. She is a fifth-generation native of Snowflake, Arizona, a town with deep roots in her family’s history. Her farmer and cowboy ancestors instilled in her family a strong work ethic and a love for adventure. Beulah, one of seven children, learned the value of hard work and play from an early age.
Beulah’s journey took a new turn when her family moved to Mesa. She graduated from Mesa High School, leaving a mark as one of the famous Rabbettes. It was there that she met her future husband, Floyd Martin. They married in the Mesa Temple and embarked on a journey of love and family. They were blessed with eight wonderful children, and their family has now grown to include seventeen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
It’s all a lovely story, but there is more. Martin says, “I always wanted to be a writer, and my desire grew as I devoured classics and great novels. Growing up, you could always find me with my nose in a book. I love all genres, both fiction and nonfiction.” Today, her passion for reading is evident in
her extensive library.
Martin says, “As a young mother with small children, I read an article in the paper inviting aspiring writers to a meeting at the Mesa Library. There were only five or six of us, but we were all excited about the prospect of starting a writing group. Marsha Ward was the innovator behind this initiative, and it began my active writing journey.”
“We named the writing group Arizona Night Writers because we would have to write at night after the children were all in bed. I will always be grateful for Marsha Ward’s dream and her great influence on so many writers who have gotten their books published. This group now has chapters in many states. I credit ANWA for keeping my dream alive long enough that I finally became a published author.”
Martin published her first book in April 2024, and has published two more in the past two months: Jesus’ Hands, Sophie the Tangled Web Maker, and Jesus’ Turn on Earth: The Plan. Publishing three books in less than half a year is remarkable. Martin wrote, formatted, and produced all three books with the help of her family. Several of her children illustrated them.
One of Martin’s Great-Granddaughters, 16-year-
old Kylee Martin of Clovis 2nd Ward in Clovis, New Mexico, says, “I think it’s great that Grandma never gave up on her dreams and that she’s created these amazing children’s books that can be passed down for generations! She’s inspired me to never give up on my goals and I really look up to her for it!”
“I love my Grandma’s book. They make me happy. I love reading them. They are so interesting and I hope all the other kids that read them will feel the same way,” says Grandson Riley Martin, age 11-Crismon Ward, Queen Creek AZ.
All three Beulah Martin books are available on Amazon.com
Great Grandmother and author Beulah Martin with her books.
Life and Death on the Mormon Frontier
Author Stephen LeSueur Tells An Old West Family Tale Of Double Murder
By Emily Jex Boyle
Whenever tragedy strikes, like lightning in the Arizona desert, its thunderous ripples echo through people, families and communities. Over one hundred years ago, the lives of two young Arizonans were cut short when violently ambushed by stone cold outlaws. Today more of their story has been pieced together to reflect the perspectives of those hit hardest: their families and community.
In the spring of 1900, the double murder of Gus Gibbons and Frank LeSueur rocked the northern Arizona town of St. Johns. News of their deaths spread quickly. The Deseret Evening News published the account on the front page in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Recent research has zeroed in on notorious outlaws Butch Cassidy, (whose parents walked to the Salt Lake valley with fellow pioneers in a handcart company), and others in the Wild Bunch Gang. Consequently, increased attention has been turned to the LeSueurGibbons murders. Noticing the trend, Stephen LeSueur, a great-nephew to Frank LeSueur, wondered in recent years if there was more to the story than the family knew. Stephen’s grandfather was only 5 years old when his older brother Frank was killed. Stephen says, “My family believed the tragedy, though sad, merited little notice,
believing the murderers were never identified nor was there much effort to capture them.”
As an author, journalist and magazine editor, Stephen decided to dig into the incident, piecing together perspectives from the victims and the community as they were recorded. “I started researching using FamilySearch
and church archives,” Stephen says. “What I began to find and discover was very telling. Thanks to technology, it’s a lot easier to gather stories together with available resources online such as newspapers.com.” These resources, he says, “not only help you to know the
dates of birth and death of our ancestors, but are puzzle pieces to stitch together more of the stories of the past.” Many families kept extensive records of their lives such as memoirs, letters, and county and church records. Newspaper records in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah covered the story. Libraries and archives in these states also housed significant source materials.
In 2015, he was asked by relatives to prepare a presentation on his research at an upcoming family reunion. What was supposed to be 20 minutes turned into 2 hours. Stephen admits, “I’m not sure if [the family was] very happy about it.” In the end however, he thought to himself, “There’s a book in this.”
The tragic LeSueur-Gibbons murders, Stephen writes, “set off a chain of events with long lasting impacts on both the outlaws and the community.”
Sheriff Edward Beeler led a man-hunt for the outlaws across five states and territories, and into Mexico, sparking the largest manhunt in Utah up to that time. Gibbons’ uncle ran for territorial legislature and was a leading supporter in the creation of the Arizona Rangers, a team of trained experts able to hunt down criminal gangs.
The book - The Life and Death on the Mormon Frontier: The Murders of Frank LeSueur and Gus Gibbons - was
indeed written. Stephen published it in 2023. “I wanted to present the stories of the murders from the perspective of the victims’ families and others involved. However, as I delved into the story, the book was no longer just about the victims and the outlaws, but about the Mormon community along the Little Colorado River corridor.”
The gathered accounts add depth to the area’s history.
For more information about the book, visit amazon.com and Greg Kofford Books at kofford.com.
Courtesy of Andrew A. Gibbons photographs, Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
Gus Gibbons (far right), about age twenty-four, while a missionary in the United Kingdom. With Gibbons are Elder Jepson and Elder Brown.
Courtesy of Family History Center, St. Johns, Arizona Frank LeSueur (right), about age nineteen, with his friend Will Sherwood.
Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Pinkerton’s, Inc. Members of the Notorious Wild Bunch Gang. Sitting (L-R) Harry Longabaugh, alias Sundance Kid; Ben Kilpatrick; and Robert Parker, alias Butch Cassidy. Standing: Will Carver; and Harvey Logan, alias Kid Curry. Collectively, these outlaws were responsible for the murders of at least fifteen men. Photo taken in Fort Worth, Texas, in November 1900.
By Katherine Ogden
There’s a new K-8 school coming to town: The Title of Liberty Academy. The name of the school is taken from a verse in the Book of Mormon, “In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children …. and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.” (Alma 46:12-13)
As changes happen in the public education system, many families who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have become more concerned about the potential influence of conflicting ideologies expressed in their children’s classrooms. Public schools often suffer from an underlying culture of bullying and of alcohol and drug use. Parents concerned about such influences face the challenge in finding an educational atmosphere that aligns with their faith and their values.
Principal Michelle Edwards, an early childhood specialist, has been in the education system for many years. The academy is the culmination of a dream of hers. “I recently had one student who was really struggling,” says Michelle, “and I couldn’t tell her about her divine abilities, that she’s a child of God, or who her father in Heaven is.”
Edwards saw that the growing gap between the values taught at home and those encountered in the classroom has created a need for alternative educational institutions that prioritize LDS principles and provides a supportive environment for children to learn and grow in accordance with their faith. “Several of us attended BYU Idaho, and we noticed a
different environment right away. We appreciated the role of the spirit in the environment, we could feel the spirit there, even in a math or science class,” shared one of the instructors, “and we’re wondering, ‘Why do students have to wait until they’re in college to experience that?’”
The school’s description states: “For years, we’ve recognized a growing demand among LDS families for an alternative educational option that resonates with our religious values. Title of Liberty Academy offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by LDS families in finding an educational environment that fully embraces their faith and values. Our school provides a safe, nurturing, and academi-
cally rigorous environment where our principles are integrated into every aspect of the educational experience.”
Mastery-based classroom instruction is offered where students can pace themselves with an individualized instruction plan within smaller class sizes and PLP’s (personal learning plans). Each student also has a staff member to help and to advocate for them. If the cost of tuition is an issue, Academy staff can assist parents in navigating the application process for an ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) grant, which can significantly help cover tuition costs.
Located at 5761 E. Brown Rd., #2, Mesa, AZ, 85205, Title of Liberty Academy is currently accepting applications for K - 8th grade students as well as for instructors and aides. For more information visit http://www.tolschools.org/ or call 480-896-2373.
Helping Youth Make Inspired Choices
Strength of Youth
Youth
Divine help can look like being reminded of something you knew, but were either too distracted or too stressed to recall on your own. It can also look like having your feelings of stress and distress lifted from you for a time. Some of the more dramatic ways divine help manifests itself is through a lucky event, whether being given what you ask for or avoiding something imminently dangerous or threatening.
Another way divine help shows up is less flashy. Guidance in making plans and decisions can be soft and gentle, offering peace and calm even excitement over a path you’re considering when you’ve involved God in
Recognizing Divine Help When Mistakes Are Made
By Allison Beckert
the decision-making process. A subtle shift in perspective that provides relief and optimism is also a sign of divine help in action.
Repentance is not just a primary answer for inviting the spirit into our lives; it’s also a vehicle for divine help. In recognizing the actions we take that aren’t helpful to us and those around us, and taking measures to change, our minds and bodies are rewired to find joy and fulfillment in our new behavior patterns. This is a blessing itself, and a holy use of our divine agency.
In the scriptures, commandments are paired with specific promises. The most common we reference is within the prayers said during our sacrament
service. While we’re commanded to take on the name of Christ, remember Him, and keep His commandments, we’re promised that His spirit will always be with us. This pattern of commandment and promise carries through the scriptures, from Genesis to the Doctrine & Covenants. These promises will show up for your life in ways meaningful to you.
The emotions felt following mistakes, especially ones that are very clear to us or clear to others, are powerful and painful. We can feel humiliated, hurt, embarrassed, angry, or want to do anything to deflect attention from it to something or someone else. These feelings get in the way of progress and
getting away from the mistake, even if they’re natural and should be acknowledged. True repentance requires accountability - or acknowledging how your own actions played into the uncomfortable situation or unwanted result. This may be the whole reason or part of the reason, but we can only control our own actions and decisions. Once we can look at that and consider what we can do to correct our thinking or behavior, we can work toward repenting with intentional choices and practicing new patterns. It’s this path of emotion, recognition, accountability, and corrected action that allow the spirit to work with you on your mistakes and growth.
Photo by Pexels from Pixabay
Connecting with Your Neighbors— ORGANIZING A NEIGHBORHOOD Block Party!
By Rauna Mortensen
We all embrace the commandment to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” But face it, some neighbors are easier to love than others! It’s easy to love the children we teach at church, and the next-door neighbor who keeps an eye on our house while we’re out of town. But what about the “other” neighbors? What about the guy three houses down who doesn’t seem to ever give you eye contact? What about the family behind you who has pushed your limits with their late-night parties? Perhaps the
answer is increasing connections with all those around our home!
An excellent way to develop such connections is to organize a neighborhood block party. the first organizing step is to assess the purpose and scope of your pursuit to increase connection. Is the reason for the party to set up a Neighborhood Watch program and to invite the entire HOA membership? Or is it to put names with faces and engage in personal conversations with those in just your immediate neighborhood?
Rachel WALDEN Rachel WALDEN
How intent are you on including everyone on the invitation list? Sending out a ques tionnaire a few weeks in advance can gauge availabil ity and interest. Throw out a few dates and tell them to text you back the dates they definitely can’t come. Or, give each invitee a paper questionnaire with options to “x” out their conflicting dates. Face-toface door conversations are always a golden opportunity to begin the connection pro cess and increase the likelihood of participation in the event!
Potluck dinners are the easiest way to serve food at a block party. Make it
easy on your neighbors by providing all the paperware and drinks, and as many of the tables and chairs as you can. Nametags are helpful. Considering the personalities of those involved, a short program might be fun, such as inviting a barbershop quartet. Perhaps your neighbors mostly just want to use the precious time to get acquainted or re-acquainted. As the host, try to give a personal greeting to everyone. Remember the children’s needs.
Encourage your ward to involve the surrounding neighborhood in church-
planned events such as Halloween dinners, water fun activities, fun runs, and Fourth of July breakfasts. Hold the events in a nearby retention basin, park, or other neutral setting. Pass out flyers to everyone and put the info on sandwich boards on the intersection corners. If the size of the party will require blocking off part of a neighborhood road, check with your city’s regulations for doing so to secure approval.
Our ultimate goal after engaging is these activities is to develop relationships to the point where we don’t need an excuse to visit and care. Elder Gerrit W. Gong quoted a father in the last General Conference: “Ministering is when we go from being neighbors who bring cookies, to trusted friends, spiritual first responders.” Consider yourself a minister to all in your neighborhood, and set a goal to increase connections to where you can be a spiritual first responder.
Photo by Emily McKellar Neighborhood water fun
Block party gathering.
Photo by the author
VOTE TIM mEyER mesA CITY COUNcIL
35 YEAR MESA RESIDENT
RETIRED ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, CITY OF MESA
26+ YEARS EXPERIENCE IN CITY GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT
PROFICIENT IN CITY CODES FOR BUSINESS, FINANCE, RATES, COST ANALYSIS
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN PERSONAL AND RETAIL MANAGEMENT
I WILL HIT THE GROUND RUNNING WHEN ELECTED!
It’s Time for Travel! Travel Medical Preparation by AWAY CLINIC
By Allison Beckert
IHOMELESS GET BACK ON THEIR FEET LISTEN TO YOU - VOTE YOUR WISHES!!!
he says, “and I’ve always loved the idea of having full creative control over a brand and a company and building it up to be successful. Travel medicine is a really cool business to be in because I get to learn a lot about things that fascinate me, including vaccines and tropical diseases, and I get to hear about peoples’ travel plans. I love sharing that excitement with them.”
it an affordable vacation with personally vetted clinics and local employees. “This is an especially valuable service for people who have a lot of trouble with their teeth and need a lot of expensive work. U.S. dental insurance covers very little of the expensive stuff.” Brother Charlton experienced this firsthand, and it inspired him to make this solution accessible.
t’s time for travel! Whether it’s a summer getaway on an exotic island, a visit to family or friends overseas, or even a mission of mercy or ministry, traveling internationally requires a lot of preparation. One of those necessary preparations is medical as many countries require different vaccines or treatments of visitors before they visit. For the more unusual or difficult to find treatments and vaccines, Away Clinic makes them easy to secure. Aaron Charlton, PhD and his wife Mandy own Away Clinic, operating locations in Scottsdale, Chandler, and Phoenix. Each clinic shares a focus on professionalism, experience, and specialized knowledge. When they opened in summer 2022, Brother Charlton was moving into an industry new to him but exciting in its prospects. “I have worked for a lot of business owners over the years, doing their marketing,”
While most people experience vaccines as children, or as parents of young children, this field of preventative medicine is rapidly expanding. As a bit of advice for young people and preparing missionaries, Brother Charlton says, “Get your routine immunizations completed before you turn 18. Immunizations are free for children in Arizona–either through insurance or through the county clinic. Once you turn 18 immunizations can be expensive and difficult to find.”
When shopping for trip-specific treatments, the Away Clinic team knows there’s competition. Their prices are readily available online with short appointments and top-tier expertise. “Our nurses are travel health experts who exclusively see travelers. They are used to interpreting the CDC’s complex guidelines. As far as convenience goes, we can get most people in within a day or two of when they call, and we almost never run out of any of the vaccines we stock. We also offer a variety of prescriptions that are travelspecific.”
One of their newest offerings includes medical tourism packages. This is not a new concept, but going through Away Clinic means making
If you’re interested in learning more, visit their website at https:// www.awayclinic.com/ and spend some time with their informative blog, find a location that works for you, and see what they can do to make your travel preparations easy.
Photo by Aaron Charlton
A travel consultation.
Photo by Aaron Charlton
Aaron Charlton, PhD and his wife Mandy.
I Too Must Give A New Leaf Volunteer: Backyard Taco
By A New Leaf
Tyler Robison’s journey of service with A New Leaf began through the simple, yet powerful act of making bag lunches with his kids. Every week his family would get together and make sandwiches for those facing homelessness. Over the past seven years, distributing these meals at the East Valley Men’s Center has become something of a Robison family tradition. This consistent effort not only fed thousands of neighbors in crisis, but also instilled in Tyler’s children a deep appreciation for community service.
The impact of this work became even more evident to Tyler during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the increased need, he decided to take his efforts further and began bringing hundreds of burritos to shelters across
Mesa each month. Tyler felt a commitment to helping those facing hardships during uncertain times and was willing to take action.
As a local business owner of Backyard Taco, Tyler’s dedication didn’t
stop there. Tyler and his partners Steve Beck, Ruben Alvarez, and Marisela Alvarez decided to commit to making regular monthly donations of food for hundreds of people living in shelters across Mesa. This persistent, and passionate group of supporters have brought remarkable relief to thousands of our neighbors.
Driven by his faith to serve, Tyler invokes scripture from Jacob 2:19, which reminds us that God blesses us so that we may then bless those
in need. “Because I have been given much, I too must give,” says Tyler, reflecting his belief in the obligation to share his blessings.
Through his generosity and service, Tyler Robison has made a significant impact on the lives of many. His story is a testament to the power of community, faith, and the real difference one person can make when they choose to give back.
For more info on A New Leaf, please visit turnanewleaf.org.
Steve Beck, Tyler Robison, Marisela Alvarez, and Ruben Alvarez.
Tyler Robison’s children participate in meal distribution.
Your Conservative Team at the State Capitol
• Secure The Border
• Secure & Accurate Elections
• Fight The Biden/Hobbs Agenda
• Low Taxes & High Job Growth
• Help AZ Deal With Inflation
• Protect The 2nd Amendment
• Defend School Choice
• Defeat The Woke Agenda
• Pro-Life, Protect Religious Freedom
• Back the Blue & Honor Our Veterans
• Protect Arizona’s Water Future
Family History Short Story Writing
Tips
& Ideas
Since it’s now summer and the heat is driving me indoors, I decided that now is a great time to write some of those family short stories that are weighing on my mind. So here goes:
“Once upon a time...” Well... Not a great beginning.
“My father was born just before the great depression.” A little bit better. But what is it that I am trying to say? From here I will work on a best idea. When sharing, the question I ask myself is this: What is the why, or whys, behind the story I want to write? Once I figure this out, I can find the best way to move forward.
With a notebook and pen I sit down to brainstorm. First, I consider the people I want to write about; in this case Rowland and Lois. Next, I consider the place: where were they at the time of the story? Next, what is the background of the story or the type of event at which the story takes place? I could also include other people that were involved with Rowland and Lois at the time of the story. And last, I will include as many specifics or facts as I know.
Now I am able to put all these thoughts and ideas together to create my story:
By Lynne Tolman
“Rowland and Lois had begun dating in 1944 and this went on for about a year. They lived in the era of big bands and they went to dances where the big bands were playing. They also went to plays and on picnics among other things.
“Rowland wanted to play the field and meet some other girls so it was an on again off again relationship with Lois. While they were in the off again mode, Rowland joined the Navy and went to sea in 1945 right at the end of World War II. He did this without a word to Lois.
“In 1946 his ship, the USS Fall River, was sent to the Bikini Atolls for some bomb test trials. While there he decided that Lois was the girl for him and wrote a letter home asking her to marry him. She returned a scathing letter telling him what she thought of him and his idea. This started the communication that was over 600 letters long and ended in their burning those first two letters and marrying two weeks after his return from the Navy in 1949. I have read some of those letters but I wish that I could have read those two letters that they burned.”
I have tackled and completed one detailed and interesting family story. I also have pictures to go with it! Now it is your turn. Pick a person, place or subject and get started.
5 Tips to writing a great family history story:
1. As you write a paragraph try to make it interesting and something others would like to read, not just the list of facts.
2. As you read over what you wrote, think of what questions someone reading it 100 years from now would want answered.
3. Your story doesn’t have to be wordy to tell the story.
4. Include some of your personal feelings in your writing.
5. Have fun and enjoy the process!
Warren Petersen Laurin Hendrix Khyl Powell
What’s Cooking?
By The Arizona Beehive Magazine
Time to get all red, white and blue! These colorful waffles are rich and moist, and the sweet toasted coconut syrup and crunchy pecan butter makes them a delicious breakfast or dessert item that anyone would love. So get out your waffle irons and let’s make some edible memories!
RED VELVET
WAFFLE INGREDIENTS:
■ Nonstick cooking spray
■ 2 cups all-purpose flour
■ 1 ¼ cup sugar
■ ¼ tsp. salt
■ 1 tsp. baking soda
■ 4 T unsweetened cocoa powder
■ ¼ cup butter, melted and cooled
■ 2 cups buttermilk
■ 2 large eggs
■ 1 tsp vanilla extract
■ 2 T red food color
WAFFLE PREPARATION:
Preheat waffle iron and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cocoa powder.
In a food processor, add the butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract and red food color. Pulse to blend, then spoon half of the flour mixture into the processor, pulsing to blend before adding the last of the flour mix. Pulse to form a somewhat thick, smooth batter, adding more milk if too thick (should be slightly thicker than pancake batter).
Spoon 1/4 cup of the batter evenly onto the waffle iron (or according to directions) and cook until desired doneness. Remove waffles as they cook and keep warm until all are cooked.
CHEESE PECAN BUTTER INGREDIENTS:
■ 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
■ 1 stick butter, room temperature
■ ½ tsp. cinnamon
■ ¼ cup finely chopped pecans
CHEESE
PECAN BUTTER PREPARATION:
Fold together the cream cheese, butter, cinnamon and pecans until blended; set aside.
TOASTED COCONUT SYRUP INGREDIENTS:
■ ½ cup lightly toasted coconut
■ 2 cups corn syrup (can use light syrup of any kind)
■ 1 tsp. coconut extract
Whisk together the coconut, syrup and coconut extract and pour into a serving dish. The syrup can be warmed in microwave, only a few seconds; be careful not to overheat.
Serve Red Velvet Waffles topped with some of the Cream Cheese Pecan Butter and a drizzle of the Toasted Coconut Syrup on top, alongside a side of fresh red strawberries and blueberries, and crispy, thick smoked bacon.
Cool off This Summer With A Swimmingly Fun Book!
By Cindy R. Williams
Looking for a fun summer read? Don Carey, author and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, says Kiss of the Bionic Mermaid is for fans of sweet contemporary romance, comedy, and some science fiction and futuristic elements.
“Theme park mermaid Jayna Cooper must travel with the park’s new owner, Obsidian Hayes. Their mutual attraction is strong, and the siren song of forbidden love threatens to leave them broken on the rocks,” says Carey.
Carey, who uses the pseud onym Leslie Dacapo, says he had a blast writing about mer maids. “My oldest daughter has always been a huge fan of mer maids, so there were frequently mermaid shows playing on the TV. Through her, I also learned
about the real-life mermaid community -women and men who swim - wearing prosthetic tails made of fabric or silicone.”
“One day, I wondered if there could be a way to power a prosthetic tail so the wearer could swim like the mermaids on TV. That idea was the seed for the bionic mermaid tail,” says Carey. “I did my best to portray that accurately and respectfully while imagin ing how it might evolve over the next fifty years.
Carey also wrote An Engineer’s Guide to Kissing, a free novella available for download from his website. www.lesliedacapo. com. This is a prequel featuring the origin story of the bionic mer-tail,” says Carey. Carey says, “My books are published by Delusion Tree Press. It’s a small press with only one employee. It’s me. I am Delusion Tree
Press. I’m the CEO, Lead Designer, and Janitor.” Carey says, “Most books can be ordered at any bookstore through Ingram Spark. They’re also available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Google Play Books.”
Sign up for Carey’s newsletter at www.lesliedacapo.com. Find him on Facebook and Instagram @ leslie.dacapo. Email is leslie@lesliedacapo.com.
Family and local history focu sed.
Preserve the memory and heritage of the early pioneers.
Monthly presentation gatherings. Treks to historic locales.
LDS pioneer heritage NOT required to participate!
Membership includes a subscription to Pioneer Magazine, and to The Arizona Beehive Magazine
YO U ’ R E I N V I T E D !
Be a guest of The Sons of Utah Pioneers Mesa A Arizona Chapter. 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:00pm, S September - June. Patriotism. Music. Dinner! Inspirational presentation. Fellowship. For More Information: 2024 Chapter President: : M Michael O'Brien 530-921-2435 www.SUP1847.com Facebook.com/Sons-Of-Utah-Pioneers-Arizona
Carey says, “To be honest, this book is for me. I write the books I want to read. Writing time is a precious commodity that comes at a high personal cost. I can’t afford to write anything I’m not excited about.”
Carey adds, “I hope you have as much fun reading Kiss of the Bionic Mermaid as I had writing it!”
Photo by Eva Coppinger
Author Don Carey aka. Leslie Dacapo. Book cover design by Ashley Santo.
By Jaylene Garrett
FindingJ oy In a Chaotic World
Putting First Things First
As I shared in my previous Arizona Beehive Magazine article, President Harold B. Lee advised: “Most men do not set priorities to guide them in allocating their time, and most men forget that the first priority should be to maintain their own spiritual and physical strength. Then comes their family, then the Church, and then their professions—and all need time” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1996], 615). Elder Ballard added this counsel: “First, think about your life and set your priorities. Find some quiet time regularly to think deeply about where you are going and what you will need to do to get there. Jesus, our exemplar, often ‘withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed’ (Luke 5:16). …Write down the tasks you would like to accomplish each day. Keep foremost in mind the sacred covenants you have made with the Lord as you write down your daily schedules.” (Conference Report, April 1987)
Shouting for Joy
How long has it been since you shouted for joy? In the Grand Council in heaven in our premortal existence, all the sons and daughters of God
“shouted for joy.” (Job 38:7)
Now we are here; do we doubt the Lord’s words “Men are, that they might have joy”? (2 Ne.2:25)
(“Finding Joy in Life” by Barbara W. Winder, Relief Society General President.)
How about this approach?
“I am using a trial I am now facing to joyfully strengthen a personal weakness and become a joyful disciple of christ!”
In his talk “Overcome the World and Find Rest” President Russell M. Nelson said: “…The Savior lifts us above the pull of this fallen world by blessing us with greater charity, humility, generosity, kindness, self-discipline, peace, and rest
“Now, you may be thinking this sounds more like hard spiritual work than rest. …The truth is that it is much more exhausting to seek happiness where you can never find it!”
Through the eyes of faith, we look beyond our present-day challenges. Being grateful in our circumstances is an act of faith in God. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf “Grateful in any Circumstance” April 2014.)
Motivational Daily Affirmations
Thru eyes of faith, I look beyond my present-day challenges. Being grateful in my circumstances is an act of faith in God.
I AM using a trial I am NOW facing to JOYFULLY strengthen a personal weakness and become a JOYFUL disciple of Christ!
My direction matters more than my speed.
I will Look to CHRIST to FEEL JOY in any circumstance.
I trust myself to be inspired to do God’s will.
I Trust GOD knows what is best, His timeline is best, and He keeps His word. I TRUST HIM.
A difficult interaction is an opportunity for me to learn to love at a deeper level - a Godlike level.
Struggles do not DEFINE me, but they can REFINE me. (2 Cor 4:16-18, D&C 121:7-8, 33, 122:5-9)
I too can have a daily restoration.
I show my love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by consecrating my trials with gratitude.
Come Follow Me
By Robin Finlinson
JThis article supports the readings scheduled in the 2024 manual titled Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church, specifically in the book of Alma in the Book of Mormon.
The Peace Conundrum
esus Christ, the Master Teacher, assigns several conundrums (problems, puzzles, enigmas) for us to work out. For example: Despite the human family’s billions of human minds being “wired” a bit differently and having vastly different opinions, interests, etc., we’re supposed to live together—in harmony. How is that possible? Some figure out (more through humility than intellect) that the only possible way is through living according to Christ’s teachings.
Many people are yet determined to find another solution to the conundrum. Surely there’s a way besides following Him! And some purposely stir others up in contention and persuade them to accept a distorted counterfeit of peace.
There were many counterfeiters in the Book of Alma, from Nehor and Amlici to Amalickiah and his brother Ammoron. Their solution was quite simple: murder those who disagree with you. They’re reminiscent of Emperor Palpatine of Star Wars. “And we shall be peace,” he declared after ordering the Jedi to be killed.
No wonder the Lord declared, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
The natural man’s reaction to being mocked, persecuted, injured or tormented in any manner is to lash out in like manner.
However, the Lord’s counsel to His disciples when teaching His word to those who don’t really want to hear it is clear: “[Y]e shall be patient in longsuffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.” (Alma 17:11).
The success of Alma, Amulek, Ammon and others came because they exhibited the Lord’s patience and peace. They forgave, served, loved.
In Alma, one group of people or another was often having to flee from being killed or taken captive. In D&C 45:68-69, the prophet Joseph Smith said, “And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor
must needs flee unto Zion for safety…and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.”
While that sounds like the situation with the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, for example, who had to flee and join the people of Zarahemla, the prophet of 1831 was talking about the future.
The prophet of our day, President Russell M. Nelson, has recently counseled the Saints to be peacemakers.
Surely the people around us will need to know whom they can trust as the prophecy of President Lorenzo Snow, a companion prophecy of the above, comes to pass: “They [nations] will contend and quarrel with one another, state after state and nation after nation, until they are broken up… and hundreds of thousands will undoubtedly come and seek protection at the hands of the servants of God.”
“And all the people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord…” (Deut. 28:10).
Throughout the Book of Alma, the diligent followers of the Lord must contend with those who seek to destroy them. They desire the same things as him whose teachings they follow: power, revenge, suffering.
We cannot expect to have peace if we reject the Prince of Peace.
PRO - LIFE
PRO - MILITARY
PRO - VETERAN
PRO - FREE MARKET
PRO - SECOND AMENDMENT
PRO - BORDER SECURITY AND WALL
PRO - CONSTITUTION
PRO - LAW ENFORCEMENT
Mental Health Emergencies & Crises
By Allison Beckert
Our mental health, and that of our friends and family, covers a huge range of quality. Excellent mental health can look like a happy demeanor and a confidence to speak up for one’s self or others, while poor mental health can be anything from a low mood for an extended period to a real mental and emotional crisis or an emergency situation. When we or someone we love struggles with their mental health, knowing in advance what to do in a crisis or emergency can sometimes be the difference between life and death. A mental health crisis is different from a psychiatric emergency. While there are a few different definitions of what constitutes a crisis, one of the clearest comes from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. They include a list of signs and behaviors that require attention right away:
• Attempts or threats to harm or kill
• Delusions or hallucinations
• Extreme withdrawal
• Not sleeping or eating for many days
• Verbal or physical abuse
These same signs indicate a psychiatric emergency, but only when more severe. The National Library of Medicine describes psychiatric emergencies as “acute disturbances in thought, behavior, mood, or social relationship that
require immediate intervention as defined by the patient, family, or social unit to save the patient and/ or others from imminent danger.”
To be clear, families should not be expected to have everything a troubled individual may need to reach stability. Families are often at the most risk of harm from a member’s actions while compromised. Spotting signs of concern and addressing these before anyone is in danger is ideal in order to get the person the support they need from outside their immediate circle. In a crisis situation, where no one is in imminent danger, there are resources available typically
through state and private organizations.
As these are generally locally based, search your state and county for specific helplines and networks you can join to support yourself or your loved one. Some national resources include the National suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Mental Health America with screening tools, information, and additional resources, as well as dozens of others specific to groups in need like mothers, veterans, those with addictions or eating disorders, and more.
In the case of an emergency, where there is imminent danger or serious physical harm has occurred, call 911.
The most valuable resource for anyone struggling with their mental health is a supportive network. The Church operates under this philosophy, as do many of the resources available. If you’re looking for a strategy to support yourself or another struggling, take time to visit wellnessrecoveryactionplan.com (WRAP). It is not necessary to join them; the website has samples of plans to help you and your network know how to be prepared for a mental or behavioral crisis or emergency.
Vulnerable Population
Members of The Church Help Gathering Humanity to Care For Refugees
By Barbie VanCott
e are so blessed to be American citizens. Most of our ancestors immigrated to this country. Currently there are millions of refugees who’ve been forced to flee their homes. Who is a refugee? Someone who has been forced to flee their country, because of persecution, war, or violence.
Some of the countries from which people are fleeing are Ukraine, Congo, Murmur, Sudan, and Eritrea. When people flee, most find their way to refugee
camps. While there, they often suffer from hunger, lack of water, and sanitation. There is no privacy, security, jobs, or schooling. It is not safe place for woman or children.
In order to select refugees to come to America, United States government officials visit refugee camps to assess the most venerable: woman, children and the elderly. Before refugees come to the United States, our government heavily vets each individual. The process involves 8 government agencies, 5 security databases, 6 background checks, and 2 personal interviews. If they pass all the screenings, they are cleared to make their way to the United States.
Each vetted refugee is flown to the United States. Upon their arrival, refugee families begin to pay back the cost of their airfare. In our area, the Arizona Refugee Resettlement Program works directly with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, which provides the needed funding for the Phoenix organization. When a refugee arrives, a case manager is assigned to them. An apartment is then selected. Each refugee receives a $1,000 stipend which is meant to last 90 days to cover rent and other needs. Most pay back the stipend money.
At this point Gathering Humanity is notified of their arrival and the location of their apartment.
Gathering Humanity is a grassroots, non-profit organization that provides essential goods to those experiencing resettlement and other vulnerable populations. Since 2016 this group has been organizing community donations and volunteer power to furnish apartments for refugees and others. This service not only offers a significant financial benefit but a warm welcome to our new neighbors. It is an all-volunteer program. Monetary donations are accepted. Gently used household goods and supplies are also accepted, which are gathered by volunteers and utilized to set up apartments for arriving refugee families.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is very much involved in this effort. Nicole Earl and her sister Christina Atwood started Gathering Humanity. They tirelessly put in countless hours to welcome and provide for families coming to Arizona. Service missionaries volunteer each week to help set up apartments. In 2022 the Church’s Giving Machine program donated over $102,000 towards this worthwhile cause.
Author personal note: I try and go once a month to set up an apartment. It is so
Continued on pg. 30
Photo by Barbie VanCott Service missionaries that help set up homes for refugees.
Photo by Barbie VanCott
After completing a set-up: Deb Eaton, Rhonda Salcido, Barbie VanCott and service missionaries.
TOld Glory THE FLAG OF THE United States of America
he United States flag symbolizes America’s historical events and its values about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Since it was first officially established by order of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, its shape, design and arrangement have changed to accommodate the addition of each new state (ending in 1960 with the annexation of Hawaii). We present here some interesting aspects of Old Glory.
FLAG ETIQUETTE
The U.S. flag...
• is usually displayed from sunrise to sunset, but can be flown 24 hours a day as long as it is properly illuminated (direct light source) during hours of darkness.
• when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak and then lowered to the half-staff position. It should be raised again to the peak before being lowered for the day.
• when used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed so that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder.
• should have no other flag or pennant placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of it (exceptions exist for services at sea).
• should be hoisted briskly but lowered ceremoniously.
• should not be displayed in inclement weather, unless displaying an all-weather flag.
• should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water or merchandise.
• should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
• should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
• should never be used for advertising purposes.
FLAG TRIVIA
• The term “half-staff” means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.
• A flag expert is called a vexillologist.
• On the first U.S. flag the stars were displayed in a circle so no one state would be above another.
• Flying the flag upside down is not sanctioned unless signaling extreme distress.
• By specific legal authority, eight sites in the United States fly the flag continuously: Fort McHenry National Monument, Baltimore, Maryland; Flag House Square, Baltimore, Maryland; the United States Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington, Virginia; Lexington, Massachusetts; the White House; the Washington Monument; United States Customs ports of entry; and Valley Forge State Park, Pennsylvania.
FLAG CARE & DISPOSAL
The Federal Flag Code does not prohibit hand or machine washing US flags. A gentle cycle is recommended while using a mild soap like Woolite and then line drying. Flags can also be dry cleaned and some establishments will even perform this service without cost (always verify policy in advance). Minor repairs can be made to a flag to keep it looking crisp and not tattered. However, once a flag is worn, damaged or tattered beyond repair, it should be retired. While it may shock some people, the preferred method is burning. The critical caveat is that this be done in a dignified and respectful manner, which signifies purification and rebirth.
FLAG FOLDING CEREMONY
(www.USFlag.org/FoldFlag.html)
Since a U.S. flag is never to be carried flat, folding is necessary before transporting, storing or presenting (such as at a military funeral to the next of kin). Traditional etiquette prescribes folding in half lengthwise twice, and then (from the end opposite the blue field) folding triangularly until reaching the other end. A standard flag will require thirteen folds: two lengthwise and eleven triangular, resulting in the creation of a triangular “pillow” of the flag with only the blue starred field showing on the outside.
When this folding method first gained popularity, there was no symbolic meaning attached. Over time, the public has attributed meaning to each fold, reflecting both religious and American ideals. There are several interpretations but one of the most popular follows:
• The first fold is a symbol of life.
• The second fold is a symbol of a belief in eternal life.
• The third fold is a symbol of honor and remembrance of veterans.
• The forth fold is a symbol of weakness.
• The fifth fold is a tribute to our country.
• The sixth fold is where our hearts lie.
• The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces.
• The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, so that we may see the light.
• The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood.
• The tenth fold is a tribute to fathers.
• The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David & King Solomon, glorifying the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob.
• The twelfth fold represents the emblem of eternity and glorifies the God of the Father, the Son & Holy Ghost.
• When the folds are complete, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of the national motto, “In God we Trust.”
Of the ceremonial folding at military funerals, when the flag is folded, a coin or an insignia representing the type of service is placed in the last fold before the flag is handed to the family. Once fully folded, the flag resembles a cocked hat, like that of soldiers, marines and sailors of the past and present.
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Statistics
VALLEY TEMPLE SCHEDULES
Additional Information:
Hospice Patient Reunites with Music Student After 40 years
By Lin Sue Flood
When Hospice of the Valley music therapist first Tammy Reiver met patient Nancy Scullion and her husband Mike, it was clear the visit was going to be special.
“Right from the start we had some things in common,” recalled Tammy. “There was something very familiar about Nancy but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.”
A private school music teacher in Tempe back in the 1980s, Nancy later worked as an activity director at several skilled nursing facilities in Mesa, often leading music groups. But as soon as the 77-year-old started sharing cherished memories of her career and passion for teaching, Tammy realized she was sitting face to face with her junior high music teacher!
“You played for me 40 years ago, now it’s my turn to play for you!” Tammy exclaimed.
Nancy responded with elation, “After all these years… Wow! I am so happy!”
Mike was incredulous, as
well, saying: “A stranger walks into your door and turns out to not be a stranger after all!”
During the next couple of visits to Legacy Retirement Residence in Mesa, Tammy brought in old class photos from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School in Tempe and the two music lovers took a trip down memory lane. “We shared memories together of the students, the teachers, the principal, the music room, and specific music learned. I recalled how Nancy would bring in lyric sheets, play the piano,
and lead all the students in a singalong. She helped influence my own career.”
Nancy owns several instruments, including a keyboard, guitar and violin. The weekly music therapy sessions motivated Nancy to play one of them again. With her husband’s help, she took out her violin. Hospice nurse Reese Poorman and social worker Allison Wecks attended one of their sessions and saw a different side of Nancy.
“Finding those old instruments in the back of the closet and playing them allowed Nancy to reconnect to an old version of herself…suddenly, she became energized and vibrant!” Allison said. “Music fills a soul and brings it to life!” Tammy will never forget this experience. “This is life coming full circle with those who served, and who we now serve in return; where student became teacher and teacher became student. I am honored and blessed beyond measure.”
• Appointments for proxy ordinances are encouraged. Patrons without appointments are also welcome, but may be asked to wait for an opportunity to participate. To schedule or modify a proxy appointment, visit your temple’s information at https://www.churchofjesuschrist. org/temples
• Patrons are encouraged to bring their own temple clothing.
• Ordinances for family names must be done in proper sequence—baptism, confirmation, Melchizedek Priesthood ordination (males), initiatory, endowment, and then sealing. Please allow sufficient time to perform all the ordinances you wish to complete during your visit. For additional help and information, please call the temple.
• Please contact the temple for more information or if you have special circumstances or needs.
• Temple websites can be found by searching churchofjesuschrist.org/temples
Gilbert Arizona Temple
3301 S. Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ, 85297 (1) 480-822-5000
Services: Clothing rental available. No Cafeteria
Upcoming Closures 2024
Thursday, 4 July 2024
Monday, 30 September 2024 through Monday, 14 October 2024
Mesa Arizona Temple
101 S. LeSueur, Mesa, AZ, 852014 (1) 480-833-1211
Services: Clothing rental available. No Cafeteria
Upcoming Closures 2024
Thursday, 4 July 2024
Monday, 19 August 2024 - Monday through 2 September 2024
Saturday, 5 October 2024
Phoenix Arizona Temple
5220 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix, AZ 85310 (1) 623-474-9500
Services: No clothing or cafeteria
Upcoming Closures 2024
Thursday, 4 July 2024
Saturday, 5 October 2024
Distribution Centers
Mesa 445 E Main Street (480) 969-2170
Gilbert 2894 S San Tan Village Pkwy (480) 9263234
Phoenix 2919 W Agua Fria Fwy (480) 660-6100
Photo courtesy of Hospice of the Valley Hospice of the Valley music therapist Tammy Reiver and her junior high music teacher plays some favorite songs together.
Photo courtesy of Hospice of the Valley Nancy still nurtures her love of music 40 years after having Tammy as a music student.
Photo courtesy of Hospice of the Valley
Tammy and Nancy reminisce about old photos in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School’s yearbook.